06-23-2007, 09:49 AM
[cool][#0000ff]I am working on the adjustments, and am getting closer to a proper setup.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have always hated those twisttop valves. I had them on some trout unlimited tubes and always had problems with them. They totally failed in less than a year. Wouldn't hold air at all. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been used to the pressure activated valves on the inflatable seats for the SFC. My adaptor fits perfectly over them...tightly...and I can pump them to the desired firmness. The twist tops on the H3 valves are grooved, and the adaptor does not make a tight fit. Once pressure reaches a low point, the air escapes around the valve and it will not inflate to firmness. Then, it loses more air as I remove the adaptor to screw down the top. Bad design.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have added some tape around the valve top, and that seems to solve the inflation problem. I suspect that starting out with a firm seat is going to make a big difference. But, I have also added an insert of flexible plastic in the rear of the backrest for extra support, and will upgrade that as soon as I can find some plexiglass or lexan for more rigidity.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I will make another trip out today and another on Tuesday. If the air bladder on the backrest loses air again, it is going back.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On the positive side, the float and the stability of the H3 is unmatched by any other tube or pontube on the market. And, since it floats a bit higher and more stable, it is efficient in the transfer of power from the kicking. It moves well across the water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I had a chance to use it in "breezy" conditions on Jordanelle the other day and it handles sloppy water well. My only problem was fighting with the wimpy seat situation. I was leaning way over backward to kick, instead of having good back support to make for better power.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Getting there is half the fun. [/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have always hated those twisttop valves. I had them on some trout unlimited tubes and always had problems with them. They totally failed in less than a year. Wouldn't hold air at all. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have been used to the pressure activated valves on the inflatable seats for the SFC. My adaptor fits perfectly over them...tightly...and I can pump them to the desired firmness. The twist tops on the H3 valves are grooved, and the adaptor does not make a tight fit. Once pressure reaches a low point, the air escapes around the valve and it will not inflate to firmness. Then, it loses more air as I remove the adaptor to screw down the top. Bad design.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have added some tape around the valve top, and that seems to solve the inflation problem. I suspect that starting out with a firm seat is going to make a big difference. But, I have also added an insert of flexible plastic in the rear of the backrest for extra support, and will upgrade that as soon as I can find some plexiglass or lexan for more rigidity.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I will make another trip out today and another on Tuesday. If the air bladder on the backrest loses air again, it is going back.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]On the positive side, the float and the stability of the H3 is unmatched by any other tube or pontube on the market. And, since it floats a bit higher and more stable, it is efficient in the transfer of power from the kicking. It moves well across the water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I had a chance to use it in "breezy" conditions on Jordanelle the other day and it handles sloppy water well. My only problem was fighting with the wimpy seat situation. I was leaning way over backward to kick, instead of having good back support to make for better power.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Getting there is half the fun. [/#0000ff]
[signature]